Our Program

Introduction

The ELC provides a program that encourages and honors each child as an independent decision maker with valid feelings and various interests. We have adopted a curriculum that is based on the emerging skills of each age group and act as facilitators while providing a variety of experiences for the children. We encourage self-help and independence, understanding that these lead to positive self-esteem. Children are guided toward exploration and discovery through play in a supportive, child-centered atmosphere.

Our indoor activities include storytelling, writing, dramatic play, art, science, math, music and multi-cultural experiences. Our outdoor areas offer age appropriate, safe environments to challenge and support each child’s motor development as well as provide opportunities for things like gardening, water play and sand play. Field trips are an integral part of our program.

Enrollment

Student parents must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits to receive the student discount. All parents must complete an enrollment packet, which includes a contract verifying their child care schedule. You may enroll your child for any number of full days that meet your child care needs and that we have available. If our classrooms are full at the time of your inquiry, you may put your child on our waiting list for a $25.00/family fee. We encourage you to keep in touch with us during this waiting period.

Drop-In care

Drop-in care is available on a contractual basis for children not regularly enrolled at the ELC. Care is also often available for enrolled children who need care outside their regular schedules. Parents must call the Center to check for an opening in an appropriate classroom prior to bringing the child to the Center.

After School Care

After school care, as well as all-day care when school is out, is offered for those in kindergarten through 5th grade. Bus service from most elementary schools in the area to the ELC is included in our rates. This program includes many field trips and activities both on and off campus as well as opportunities to work on homework.

Other Information

Immunizations: We follow the Idaho Child Care Immunization Law, which requires that children be up-to-date on their immunizations to attend child care. Immunization records are required at the time of registration. Copies of all updated immunizations are also required.

Security: We believe that providing a safe and secure environment goes hand-in-hand with a child’s ability to develop. As a safeguard, when picking up a child, we require that all authorized individuals be prepared to show ELC staff a photo I.D. upon request.

Meals and Snacks: Parents Choice with Iron formula and commercial baby food are provided for infants. Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided for all other children through the Child and Adult Care Food Program of the USDA. All food is prepared by Chartwell’s Food Service.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Fees

Please contact our office for our current schedule of daily rates and fees.

Hours

The Center operates all year, Monday-Friday. We are closed on most national holidays as well as the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. During fall and spring semesters, our hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Summer hours are 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. If the entire campus closes for some reason (i.e. severe weather), the ELC will also be closed.